Woah what shock is that? Black on the outside yellow on the inside spring is interesting.
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge. They probably painted the outside of the spring only as it would rub off pretty easily but it does look cool!
martin on the scooter. instagram only right now. raw incoming.
I actually laughed out loud at the DH penny farthing. 😂 Maybe it's just that shot, but I never realized from photos before just how large the difference in wheel diameter truly is.
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge...
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge. They probably painted the outside of the spring only as it would rub off pretty easily but it does look cool!
Was going to say the rebound knob looks oddly similar to a TTX22M. I’m wondering how they are going about changing thing. To my knowledge the Ohlins shocks are notoriously hard to tinker/service.
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge...
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge. They probably painted the outside of the spring only as it would rub off pretty easily but it does look cool!
Was going to say the rebound knob looks oddly similar to a TTX22M. I’m wondering how they are going about changing thing. To my knowledge the...
Was going to say the rebound knob looks oddly similar to a TTX22M. I’m wondering how they are going about changing thing. To my knowledge the Ohlins shocks are notoriously hard to tinker/service.
pinkbike says it's a prototype SR Suntour, which matches the fork sponsor for Unno factory racing
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it down for finals or no?
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it...
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it down for finals or no?
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in...
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in the future. Instead, a semi retired older dude who has been to many world's in their lifetime. Depending on your perspective of why x over z you have a posture. Either way, you're not wrong. But still....
Go look to see just how awesome Lopes did. (that was sarcasm, BTW)
Jus sayin
The Gwin topic reminds me of this.
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle.
And yeah, Gwin deserves the spot. He’s beat the kid 6 of the last 8 times they’ve raced . And 4 in a row. Kid was fast one time this year 3 months ago. He’s a badass. But he’s not in Gwin’s league.
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it...
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it down for finals or no?
I agree, such a good track. Not many tracks have that I’d actually want to ride, but this slaps. The dirt looks insane, kinda like that PNW it’s summer and rained two days ago vibe.
Jordan Williams said something along the line of “the good riders will be able to beat the good riders” in reference to the DH DH track that VDS is, compared to the more bike-parky ones.
So many riders who can do well - will be exciting with the former juniors who’ve gone well here now in elite.
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it...
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it down for finals or no?
I agree, such a good track. Not many tracks have that I’d actually want to ride, but this slaps. The dirt looks insane, kinda like that...
I agree, such a good track. Not many tracks have that I’d actually want to ride, but this slaps. The dirt looks insane, kinda like that PNW it’s summer and rained two days ago vibe.
Jordan Williams said something along the line of “the good riders will be able to beat the good riders” in reference to the DH DH track that VDS is, compared to the more bike-parky ones.
So many riders who can do well - will be exciting with the former juniors who’ve gone well here now in elite.
throwback to likely the most unhinged run of all time, in the dry... a margin that would be impressive in the wet.
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in...
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in the future. Instead, a semi retired older dude who has been to many world's in their lifetime. Depending on your perspective of why x over z you have a posture. Either way, you're not wrong. But still....
Go look to see just how awesome Lopes did. (that was sarcasm, BTW)
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle. And yeah, Gwin deserves...
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle.
And yeah, Gwin deserves the spot. He’s beat the kid 6 of the last 8 times they’ve raced . And 4 in a row. Kid was fast one time this year 3 months ago. He’s a badass. But he’s not in Gwin’s league.
Again…has Gwin said if he declined an invite?
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.
1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results. 2. Luca qualified with his wc win 3. Pinky qualified with his wc podium
Evan, Richie, and Aaron all “qualified” Via a top 20 wc result this season. However USA can only send 6 racers. Richie and Evan got lower results in Korea and Aaron never bested those results in the wcs he entered.
It’s just the rulebook. Nobody made a judgement call. As much as I’d like to see Aaron in world champs he didn’t earn it over the people who did.
I also do not think Aaron would be win capable. I think asa and Luca are the only real possibilities. Maybe Dak if he suddenly figures it out again.
Would a top 10 mean anything to Aaron at this point? I’m sure it would mean a lot to just about everyone else both career and personal accomplishment wise.
I also would love to see race tape back. Or at least in some sections. Blind crests on the track, sections with trail braiding, hard direction...
I also would love to see race tape back. Or at least in some sections. Blind crests on the track, sections with trail braiding, hard direction changes all seem like good candidates. You wouldn't even need it on both sides some times, just on the outside or inside of the turn could make the difference. I know Dak said it would be really helpful in places and I doubt hes the only one.
Also, whoever marked the course is a coward. Sam's corner at the bottom should have NO marking on the inside. Leave it as open as possible and see who has the nards to inside the shit out of it.
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of course tape does it even take to tape off the track? Ten, maybe? Definitely less than 20, even if you're taping all the B-zones, too. There's more petroleum in the tires that get used in a weekend.
Getting rid of course tape feels like a charade to make it look like someone in the organization is thinking about the climate, but its obvious that the climate hasn't factored into any other part of the equation.The largest negative impact of a worldwide mountain bike race series is the emissions from burning jet fuel. Everyone knows this, and the impact of course tape might literally be a million times smaller. The second biggest impact is driving race trucks, sprinters vans, and rental cars thousands of miles. And then fans flying or driving hundreds or thousands of miles. I'm pretty sure the carbon impact of the racer's diets is bigger than the impact of the course tape.
I'm not even convinced that there's less plastic being used in the new short little course markings than there was in the course tape. Course tape was a dumb place to start.
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of...
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of course tape does it even take to tape off the track? Ten, maybe? Definitely less than 20, even if you're taping all the B-zones, too. There's more petroleum in the tires that get used in a weekend.
Getting rid of course tape feels like a charade to make it look like someone in the organization is thinking about the climate, but its obvious that the climate hasn't factored into any other part of the equation.The largest negative impact of a worldwide mountain bike race series is the emissions from burning jet fuel. Everyone knows this, and the impact of course tape might literally be a million times smaller. The second biggest impact is driving race trucks, sprinters vans, and rental cars thousands of miles. And then fans flying or driving hundreds or thousands of miles. I'm pretty sure the carbon impact of the racer's diets is bigger than the impact of the course tape.
I'm not even convinced that there's less plastic being used in the new short little course markings than there was in the course tape. Course tape was a dumb place to start.
I don't think this has anything to do with environmental protection but instead the organisation of the event. Do you guys not remember how often course marshalls were busy fixing the tape when a racer missed a line and went through it during practice? Or how often tape got wrapped in a wheel and dragged with the rider for the remainder of the run? Not talking about all the helmet POV cam footage where at every stop during practice the racers needed to lift the tape to get off an on course.
I think the pole are an improvement from that point of view, however, I am with you that maybe some key sections should be taped just to avoid these Amaury french lines incidents.
Did anyone else spot the floating brake arm that he, Maes, had on in Les Gets? Often desperation when brands put them on their design.Also of...
Did anyone else spot the floating brake arm that he, Maes, had on in Les Gets? Often desperation when brands put them on their design.
Also of note was that during womans XC they talked about Alessandra Keller being back on 29" and simply needing more time to adjust to the 32". Winter project they claimed.
The floating arm was picked up in the suspension thread - it seems to be increasing the anti rise which is probably more of a preference thing for Martin, than a deficiency in the frame. They seem to be in a similar region to other well regarded bikes so I doubt its a major problem for them
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of...
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of course tape does it even take to tape off the track? Ten, maybe? Definitely less than 20, even if you're taping all the B-zones, too. There's more petroleum in the tires that get used in a weekend.
Getting rid of course tape feels like a charade to make it look like someone in the organization is thinking about the climate, but its obvious that the climate hasn't factored into any other part of the equation.The largest negative impact of a worldwide mountain bike race series is the emissions from burning jet fuel. Everyone knows this, and the impact of course tape might literally be a million times smaller. The second biggest impact is driving race trucks, sprinters vans, and rental cars thousands of miles. And then fans flying or driving hundreds or thousands of miles. I'm pretty sure the carbon impact of the racer's diets is bigger than the impact of the course tape.
I'm not even convinced that there's less plastic being used in the new short little course markings than there was in the course tape. Course tape was a dumb place to start.
I don't think this has anything to do with environmental protection but instead the organisation of the event. Do you guys not remember how often course...
I don't think this has anything to do with environmental protection but instead the organisation of the event. Do you guys not remember how often course marshalls were busy fixing the tape when a racer missed a line and went through it during practice? Or how often tape got wrapped in a wheel and dragged with the rider for the remainder of the run? Not talking about all the helmet POV cam footage where at every stop during practice the racers needed to lift the tape to get off an on course.
I think the pole are an improvement from that point of view, however, I am with you that maybe some key sections should be taped just to avoid these Amaury french lines incidents.
I agree. Use poles where the track is ultra wide, the track is very easy to see, and no advantage can be gained and tape everywhere else.
Beyond that it’s an obvious opportunity for sponsorship. I’ve seen kids snag pieces of the fox tape at the monster pros.
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in...
Remember Canberra (sp?) World's, where Peat won? USAC selected (or was forced to select) Brian Lopes instead of someone newish that could learn and prosper in the future. Instead, a semi retired older dude who has been to many world's in their lifetime. Depending on your perspective of why x over z you have a posture. Either way, you're not wrong. But still....
Go look to see just how awesome Lopes did. (that was sarcasm, BTW)
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle. And yeah, Gwin deserves...
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle.
And yeah, Gwin deserves the spot. He’s beat the kid 6 of the last 8 times they’ve raced . And 4 in a row. Kid was fast one time this year 3 months ago. He’s a badass. But he’s not in Gwin’s league.
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results.2. Luca qualified with his wc win3. Pinky qualified with his wc...
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.
1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results. 2. Luca qualified with his wc win 3. Pinky qualified with his wc podium
Evan, Richie, and Aaron all “qualified” Via a top 20 wc result this season. However USA can only send 6 racers. Richie and Evan got lower results in Korea and Aaron never bested those results in the wcs he entered.
It’s just the rulebook. Nobody made a judgement call. As much as I’d like to see Aaron in world champs he didn’t earn it over the people who did.
I also do not think Aaron would be win capable. I think asa and Luca are the only real possibilities. Maybe Dak if he suddenly figures it out again.
Would a top 10 mean anything to Aaron at this point? I’m sure it would mean a lot to just about everyone else both career and personal accomplishment wise.
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle. And yeah, Gwin deserves...
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle.
And yeah, Gwin deserves the spot. He’s beat the kid 6 of the last 8 times they’ve raced . And 4 in a row. Kid was fast one time this year 3 months ago. He’s a badass. But he’s not in Gwin’s league.
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results.2. Luca qualified with his wc win3. Pinky qualified with his wc...
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.
1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results. 2. Luca qualified with his wc win 3. Pinky qualified with his wc podium
Evan, Richie, and Aaron all “qualified” Via a top 20 wc result this season. However USA can only send 6 racers. Richie and Evan got lower results in Korea and Aaron never bested those results in the wcs he entered.
It’s just the rulebook. Nobody made a judgement call. As much as I’d like to see Aaron in world champs he didn’t earn it over the people who did.
I also do not think Aaron would be win capable. I think asa and Luca are the only real possibilities. Maybe Dak if he suddenly figures it out again.
Would a top 10 mean anything to Aaron at this point? I’m sure it would mean a lot to just about everyone else both career and personal accomplishment wise.
had to weaponize my spectrum to chew on this nonsense. Medcalf has higher average Q1 and Q2 placings, as well as higher finals obviously. despite inconsistency, he's shown speed (and showed up to every race?)
gwin has worse average placings but got in to finals twice rather than once. but experience and consistency is usually more of an overall title conversation, and not what is sought after for champs. that on top of limited WC bike time this year.
i'd imagine if gwin wanted to go, he could go. and if he was not picked, that's ok too. neither option is getting the US a gold, are they? so this is a nothing burger with extra grilled onions
sounds like the mxon situation is jus gettin someone riled up. all eyes are on asa...
If more athletes meet this criterion than remaining quota positions, the athlete with the highest placing will be nominated first, followed by the athlete with the next highest placing, and so on.“
That shock seems to have different parts every time theres a photo but it looks like mostly an ohlins body and shaft with a different resrvoir/bridge. They probably painted the outside of the spring only as it would rub off pretty easily but it does look cool!
I actually laughed out loud at the DH penny farthing. 😂 Maybe it's just that shot, but I never realized from photos before just how large the difference in wheel diameter truly is.
Was going to say the rebound knob looks oddly similar to a TTX22M. I’m wondering how they are going about changing thing. To my knowledge the Ohlins shocks are notoriously hard to tinker/service.
some XC practice clips
pinkbike says it's a prototype SR Suntour, which matches the fork sponsor for Unno factory racing
what a sick looking DH track, dirt looks prime. Not very bike parky so will suit Goldstone well I think.
gotta hand it to canyon, when it comes to aesthetics they are hard to beat. Their bikes and kit almost always look slick and clean.
indeed, the most DH DH track. nothin better than a heaping serving of both roots and rocks. and some line choice. is it gonna piss it down for finals or no?
Rain Friday night but only around a 1/4”
How does anyone ride these tiny wheels?
Canberra? You’re proving my point. Lopes ran a single crown, got 18th & was 3rd best US racer ahead of Gwin & Riffle.
And yeah, Gwin deserves the spot. He’s beat the kid 6 of the last 8 times they’ve raced . And 4 in a row. Kid was fast one time this year 3 months ago. He’s a badass. But he’s not in Gwin’s league.
Again…has Gwin said if he declined an invite?
I agree, such a good track. Not many tracks have that I’d actually want to ride, but this slaps. The dirt looks insane, kinda like that PNW it’s summer and rained two days ago vibe.
Jordan Williams said something along the line of “the good riders will be able to beat the good riders” in reference to the DH DH track that VDS is, compared to the more bike-parky ones.
So many riders who can do well - will be exciting with the former juniors who’ve gone well here now in elite.
throwback to likely the most unhinged run of all time, in the dry... a margin that would be impressive in the wet.
Gwin did not “qualify” via the criteria.
1.Dak and Dylan qualified with last year’s worlds results.
2. Luca qualified with his wc win
3. Pinky qualified with his wc podium
Evan, Richie, and Aaron all “qualified” Via a top 20 wc result this season. However USA can only send 6 racers. Richie and Evan got lower results in Korea and Aaron never bested those results in the wcs he entered.
It’s just the rulebook. Nobody made a judgement call. As much as I’d like to see Aaron in world champs he didn’t earn it over the people who did.
I also do not think Aaron would be win capable. I think asa and Luca are the only real possibilities. Maybe Dak if he suddenly figures it out again.
Would a top 10 mean anything to Aaron at this point? I’m sure it would mean a lot to just about everyone else both career and personal accomplishment wise.
I'm a big believer in climate change, but the big climate impact of the World Cup circuit isn't plastic course tape. And how many rolls of course tape does it even take to tape off the track? Ten, maybe? Definitely less than 20, even if you're taping all the B-zones, too. There's more petroleum in the tires that get used in a weekend.
Getting rid of course tape feels like a charade to make it look like someone in the organization is thinking about the climate, but its obvious that the climate hasn't factored into any other part of the equation.The largest negative impact of a worldwide mountain bike race series is the emissions from burning jet fuel. Everyone knows this, and the impact of course tape might literally be a million times smaller. The second biggest impact is driving race trucks, sprinters vans, and rental cars thousands of miles. And then fans flying or driving hundreds or thousands of miles. I'm pretty sure the carbon impact of the racer's diets is bigger than the impact of the course tape.
I'm not even convinced that there's less plastic being used in the new short little course markings than there was in the course tape. Course tape was a dumb place to start.
I don't think this has anything to do with environmental protection but instead the organisation of the event. Do you guys not remember how often course marshalls were busy fixing the tape when a racer missed a line and went through it during practice? Or how often tape got wrapped in a wheel and dragged with the rider for the remainder of the run? Not talking about all the helmet POV cam footage where at every stop during practice the racers needed to lift the tape to get off an on course.
I think the pole are an improvement from that point of view, however, I am with you that maybe some key sections should be taped just to avoid these Amaury french lines incidents.
The floating arm was picked up in the suspension thread - it seems to be increasing the anti rise which is probably more of a preference thing for Martin, than a deficiency in the frame. They seem to be in a similar region to other well regarded bikes so I doubt its a major problem for them
I agree. Use poles where the track is ultra wide, the track is very easy to see, and no advantage can be gained and tape everywhere else.
Beyond that it’s an obvious opportunity for sponsorship. I’ve seen kids snag pieces of the fox tape at the monster pros.
There's more XC than DH in this one, but it's still rad to get a feel for the event as a whole:
you made zero argument for putting Medcalf in. .
Here's one, Medcalf's best world cup result this year (13th) is better than Gwin's (17th).
I don't really care who rides for the USA, but if USAC have rules to dictate selection without ambiguity (or salty debate), isn't that good?
I'd guess if Gwin really wanted to race & win world champs, he would have bothered qualifying at more than 2 world cups.
What's with Yeti not running national colors for their riders?
Junior XCO clips
had to weaponize my spectrum to chew on this nonsense. Medcalf has higher average Q1 and Q2 placings, as well as higher finals obviously. despite inconsistency, he's shown speed (and showed up to every race?)
gwin has worse average placings but got in to finals twice rather than once. but experience and consistency is usually more of an overall title conversation, and not what is sought after for champs. that on top of limited WC bike time this year.
i'd imagine if gwin wanted to go, he could go. and if he was not picked, that's ok too. neither option is getting the US a gold, are they? so this is a nothing burger with extra grilled onions
sounds like the mxon situation is jus gettin someone riled up. all eyes are on asa...
Mid-thread bump - you can find world champs results here - https://www.tissottiming.com/2026/mtbwch/schedule - we'll post DH stuff like normal too, but lots to dig into over the full week.
they have cool photofinish images too
FOX...if you're gonna do the speedsuit, can you please bring back the SuperMario skinsuit?
Anybody know if Kasper is all good? Fast as French clip shows quite a get off…
https://assets.usacycling.org/prod/documents/Selection-Criteria/2026-UCI-MTB-DHI-WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIPS.pdf
That’s the selection criteria .
If more athletes meet this criterion than remaining quota positions, the athlete with the highest placing will be nominated first, followed by the athlete with the next highest placing, and so on.“
Metcalf had a better WC placing than Gwin
riders just have to run their country’s jersey on race day
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